The Healthiest Brands in Target

Posted by Grace McCalmon on May 31, 2016

In honor of SmartyPants launching in Target stores nationwide (woop!), we treated ourselves to a celebratory shopping spree. While cruising the aisles, we were amazed at the number of health-conscious options available. There was everything from Vitamixes to organic baby onesies, and, literally, more gluten-free products than we could count. Some of the brands were new to us, while others were old favorites. We were delighted to see all of them available in Target.
Here are our picks for the best* of the bunch…
Amazing Grass - Green SuperFood
At SmartyPants, we believe the first place you should get your nutrients is food, but we know that there are days when your diet can be less than perfect. This compliment to your morning smoothie (or you can just add it to water) packs probiotics, fiber, and a hefty dose of greens, including organic wheat grass and chlorella. These particular greens are not super common in the Western diet, but they’ve been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties. We like anything that helps us get more of those helpful, but hard-to-get nutrients. Oh, and it comes in chocolate!
Bragg, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the oldest and most well-known natural “cure-alls.” Health enthusiasts have claimed it helps with everything from weight loss to acne, improved digestion, and detoxification. Research has shown it to have a positive influence on blood pressure and blood glucose control. We love the Bragg brand because their products are raw, unfiltered, and contain, “the mother,” — strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. Many believe that the mother is responsible for most of the health benefits of ACV, although there are currently no studies to support this. The company was started in 1912 by Paul Bragg and his daughter Patricia with the motto: “"You are what you eat, drink, breathe, think, say and do." We couldn’t agree more.
Califia Farms, Full Shot Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew has gone mainstream, but this brand is anything but basic. Califia Farms Full Shot contains 2 grams of MCT oil, which some research shows may help boost metabolism, plus 6 grams of protein, AND IT’S VEGAN. The protein comes from pea protein isolate and sprouted rice protein, and the creamy goodness comes from coconut cream and almond milk. Unless you go to a health food store, it’s pretty difficult to find protein products that don’t contain whey, which can be problematic for dairy-sensitive people. We’re stoked to find this gem on Target shelves.
Jones County Road
When it comes to natural personal care products, most brands are geared towards females, while men are left with sprays, soaps, and shave gels that probably shouldn’t be held too close to an open flame. Enter Jones County Road: pre-shave bars, shave soaps, beard oil, and body soaps that are handcrafted in the USA, made with natural ingredients, including bentonite clay and activated charcoal, and designed for the gents.
Sweet Earth Natural Foods
The Target frozen food section packs a boatload of healthy, convenient meal options, many of which we were familiar with. One brand that was new to us was Sweet Earth Natural Foods. These are more than just your average vegetarian freezer food. Sweet Earth Natural Foods is based in California – just like SmartyPants – and their mission is to choose ingredients that sustain and protect the land. All Sweet Earth Natural foods are non-GMO and as organic as possible, also, just like SmartyPants. Twinsies!Gaim foam roller
We love foam rolling, particularly because it’s one of the only recovery techniques you can perform without any warmup. Our personal favorite foam roller is the Rumble Roller (which they also have at Target), but that one is NOT for the faint of heart. This Giam roller is a great gateway roller for those who are new to the practice. At only about 12 inches, it will fit in your carry on without taking up too much space, so you can roll out whenever you want, wherever you go.
Champion activewear
Activewear is everywhere. Spandex has broken free from the confines of the gym and become a bona fide fashion movement. While some fitness brands’ prices are more like haute couture, thanks to Target, you can be fit and fashion-forward without spending your entire paycheck on one pair of leggings.
Banyan & Bo microfiber hot yoga towel
We love working up a good sweat, but there’s nothing worse than slipping in a puddle of it, and winding up on your back in UNhappy baby pose. We tested out this hot yoga towel ourselves, and liked it better (a lot better) than the pricey one Grandma got us for Christmas last year. Super grippy – no slippage here – and the price is right.
Threshold, Organic Cotton Sheets
We know why buying organic food whenever possible is a good idea, but organic bed sheets? Is this a thing? Turns out, if you love animals (duh), and our planet (yes), then organic fabrics are right up your alley. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic cotton uses growing systems that help replenish and maintain soil fertility, build biologically diverse agriculture, and use less water.
California Baby, Bug Repellant
Mosquito season is nearly upon us, but you shouldn’t have to choose between gnarly bug bites and gnarly chemicals. Rather than using DEET, California Baby Natural Bug Spray repels fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies with essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, and cedar, which, according to the company, do not cause harm to humans, pets, or the environment. Not only does this spray keep the bugs at bay, it also helps to soothe any existing bites with herbs that care for the skin. California Baby uses sustainable ingredients, they’re pet-friendly, and they’re from California – just like SmartyPants!
J.R. Watkins home cleaners
J.R. Watkins proves that you can remove grease and grime without harsh chemicals or toxins. While Target offers several other brands of all-natural cleaners, we like JRW the best because their ingredient lists are the shortest. In fact, their all-purpose cleaner only has nine – that’s less than what’s in most ice creams!
Lorissa’s Kitchen, 100% Grass-Fed JerkyJerky is all the rage, but all jerkies are not created equal. This one is 100% grass-fed – an important thing to look for when buying animal products, as grass-fed products have been shown to have higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega 3 fatty acids. It’s also pretty rare when it comes to mass-market jerky. Until now that is.
Simply Balanced, Organic Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
If you’re gluten-free, Target’s got you covered, and we love that they also have a sprouted grain option. If you read our What’s the Healthiest Bread article, then you already know that soaking and sprouting can help make the vitamins and minerals in grain easier for your body to absorb. Sprouting is also said to activate enzymes, which help break down starches, lowering the carbohydrate content. In fact, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) actually ruled that sprouted grains are more akin to vegetables than to whole grain! Read the full story.Super Grain, Peanut Butter Quinoa No Bake Granola Bars
Two words: No. Bake. We like anything that makes life a little easier, without sacrificing quality or nutrition. All you have to add to these babies is your favorite nut butter and honey. With seven grams of protein from quinoa, plus omega 3 ALA and fiber from chia and flax seeds, we’re sold.
*We have not been compensated or endorsed by any of these brands – we just like their stuff and wanted to give them a shout out!
Know any die-hard Target lovers? Share this with them!
Did we miss anything? What are your favorite healthy Target go-to’s? We’d love to hear in the comments below!